Best Surf Spots in Hawaii

Having lived and surfed on the Big Island of Hawaii for several years I had a chance to surf plenty of different spots that were exceptional. Many people do not realize that Hawaii has 8 major islands. Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, to name a few. Oahu is by far the most popular for surfing and has the bulk of all of Hawaii's surfing contests and visitors. The Big Island is not known for its surfing. In fact Maui blocks most of the swell on the Kona side of the island and on the Hilo side there are only a few surf spots and they are normally crowded when there is a swell. Honolii being the most popular is a short drive from Hilo. There is a left that breaks at Honolii that almost always has several locals surfing it. And a right break that is less popular but is surfed everyday that there is a swell.

If you drive the opposite way of Honolii you will drive down what locals call 4 mile drive. You will find several surf breaks along 4 mile drive. It is said to be Hawaiian homestead and you will find many locals but I have never had a problem surfing down 4 mile drive. If you respect the people in the area and do not act like you own the place you will do fine. Many of the spots are very dangerous so if you are a beginning surfer I would suggest that you stay away from 4 mile drive. The reef is very sharp. Also you will need a partner to surf with, well any where in Hawaii because there are no lifeguards at most beaches.

The Kona side has several good crowded surf breaks the best one in my opinion is BAnyans. Again be very careful when surfing any of these surf breaks. Banyans is easy to find and everyone knows where it is. Watch out for the sea urchins they are everywhere. I have had to dig plenty of the sea urchin thorns out of my body. Extract them as soon as possible. If you do not you will get infected. Use an antiseptic after you dig the sea urchin poker out of your foot or where ever you had the misfortune of getting it. Where ever you visit on the big Island keep an eye out for surfers with surfboards on their cars and watch where they go, that's how I have found most of my favorite surf-breaks.